College of American Pathologists honors members, residents, and staff at CAP26 annual meeting
LAS VEGAS (October 4, 2026) — Donald S. Karcher, MD, FCAP, received the 2026 Pathologist of the Year Award at the College of American Pathologists’ (CAP) annual meeting in recognition of his outstanding leadership, advocacy, and service to the pathology profession.
As the CAP’s 38th president, Dr. Karcher guided the organization through significant regulatory and workforce challenges while advancing pathology’s voice in national health care policy. He testified before the US House Energy and Commerce Subcommittee on Health regarding oversight of laboratory-developed tests (LDTs), advocating for a balanced, risk-based approach that protects patients and preserves access to high-quality diagnostics.
Dr. Karcher also championed initiatives to engage medical students, residents, and early career pathologists, while promoting greater inclusion, mentorship, and visibility for the profession. Widely respected for his thoughtful leadership and commitment to service, his contributions have helped strengthen the CAP and advance the role of pathologists in patient care.
“Receiving the CAP Pathologist of the Year Award is a tremendous honor,” said Dr. Karcher. “Throughout my career, I have been inspired by the dedication of pathologists who work every day to improve patient care and advance our profession. I am grateful to the CAP community for its support and proud of what we have accomplished together.”
Known as a thoughtful, collaborative leader, Dr. Karcher has earned the respect of colleagues across the profession for his integrity, vision, and commitment to service. His leadership has strengthened the CAP, advanced pathology’s role in medicine, and helped position the specialty for continued success.
The CAP recognized members, residents, and staff for their outstanding contributions to pathology and laboratory medicine during its annual meeting.
This year’s honorees are:
CAP Advocacy Award
Established in Honor of George F. Kwass, MD, FCAP
• Bekra Yorke, MD, FCAP
CAP Distinguished Patient Care Award
• Israh Akhtar, MD, MBBS, FIAC, FCAP
CAP Distinguished Service Award
• Bobbi S. Pritt, MD, MSc, FCAP
CAP Laboratory Accreditation Program Service Award
Established in Honor of Major General Joseph M. Blumberg, MD, FCAP
• Kathleen G. Beavis, MD, FCAP
CAP Laboratory Improvement Programs Service Award
• Mary K. Washington, MD, PhD, FCAP
CAP Lifetime Achievement Award
• Phillip J. DeChristopher, MD, PhD, FCAP
• Robert P. DeCresce, MD, MBA, MPH, FCAP
• Matthew D. Krasowski, MD, PhD, FCAP
• Daniel D. Mais, MD, FCAP
• Roger E. McLendon, MD, FCAP
CAP Outstanding Communicator Award
Established in Honor of William L. Kuehn, PhD
• Katrina Collins, MD, FCAP
CAP Outstanding Contribution to Pathology Informatics Standards Award
Established in Honor of Franklin R. Elevitch, MD, FCAP
• Veronica E. Klepeis, MD, PhD, FCAP
CAP Outstanding Educator Award
• Dorothy M. Adcock, MD, FCAP
CAP Pathology Advancement Award
• Eric Q. Konnick, MD, MS, FCAP
• Greg Miller, PhD
• Anil V. Parwani, MD, PhD, MBA, FCAP
CAP Public Service Award
Established in Honor of Frank C. Coleman, MD, FCAP
• Eric S. Wargotz, MD, FCAP
CAP Resident Advocate Award
• Nicole R. Jackson, MD, MPH, FCAP
CAP Junior Member of the Year
• Tania M. Platero Portillo, MD
CAP Staff Outstanding Achievement Award
• Rajalakshmi Rajagopal, B.E.
To learn more about the 2026 CAP Meritorious Service Awards honorees, visit cap.org.
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About the College of American Pathologists
As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide.